Hildale, Colorado City share new library per interlocal agreement; opening date set

The former Steed Sunday School building is being transformed into a new library for Hildale and Colorado City residents, Hildale, Utah, photo undated | Photo courtesy of Joel Tucker, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – Residents of Colorado City, Arizona, will be able to use the new Hildale library thanks to an interlocal agreement between Washington County and Mohave County, Arizona. The new library is expected to open Nov. 18.

The former Steed Sunday School building is being transformed into a new library for Hildale and Colorado City residents, Hildale, Utah, photo undated | Photo courtesy of Joel Tucker, St. George News

Rather than having Arizona residents pay nonresident fees to use the library, county officials came to an agreement for communities in the area to share the facility and services.

“We had a lot of people from Colorado City that are interested in using the library facilities,” Joel Tucker, director of the Washington County Library System, said.

Under the agreement, Mohave County will pay $10,000 per year to Washington County.

Colorado City and the neighboring small communities are currently served by a bookmobile, Tucker said, which Hildale residents were also using.

The former Steed Sunday School building is being transformed into a new library for Hildale and Colorado City residents, Hildale, Utah, photo undated | Photo courtesy of Joel Tucker, St. George News

However, the nearest Mohave County library facility is located in Kingman, Arizona, so the bookmobile had to be driven through Las Vegas and St. George to get to Colorado City.

“It’s quite the drive,” Tucker said. “They said that it will probably save them $5,000 a year in just not having to do the bookmobile anymore, so that gave them some money to play with.”

The agreement was reached at a Sept. 6 Washington County Commission meeting and will allow residents of Colorado City and neighboring Arizona communities to use the new library.

The former Steed Sunday School building is being transformed into a new library for Hildale and Colorado City residents, Hildale, Utah, photo undated | Photo courtesy of Joel Tucker, St. George News

“I think this is a good agreement,” Commissioner Victor Iverson said. “Actually it’s one that reflects reality.”

Residents of Hildale currently have to travel 24 miles to Hurricane to reach a Washington County library.

The County Commission approved the purchase of the Steed Sunday School building, located at 440 East Newel Avenue in Hildale, for $230,000 in April.

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About the Author

Julie Applegate is a long-time resident and fan of Southern Utah. She brings a strong background in news writing and editing, formerly as a full-time member of the St. George News team and currently as a contributor. Julie spent several years in the software industry. She believes strongly in the role of responsible news media in society, especially at the local level.
In her spare time, Julie can be found exploring Southern Utah on foot and by four-wheel drive or spending time with her family.